Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

9 Most Popular Alcoholic Drinks In Jamaica

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

see_jamaica_in_videos_banner_july_2024_large
red_stripe_jamaica_beer_flavours9 Popular Alcoholic Drinks In Jamaica

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

A big part of our Jamaican culture is to just hang out with our family and friends. This may look a little different for everyone but in many rural areas like where I am from it is as simple as meeting under a street light with a table, a few stools and a box of dominoes. But one thing is universally Jamaican, whether you are in the rural or urban areas, uptown or downtown, is having a drink.

New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!

Savour the memories!  Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

I am not talking about any extra fancy mixed drinks though, I am talking about the simple ones we can grab anywhere, a corner shop, supermarket, bar, restaurant etc. These drinks are our most popular and our go-to. I already shared with you how we drink our rum, but these alcoholic drinks I’m about to share with you only require you to pop the lid and have a drink. No chasers are needed. So here are some popular alcoholic drinks in Jamaica.

1. Magnum

magnum_tonic_wine

Type: Fortified Wine
Alcohol Percentage: 16.5%

I’m kicking this off with magnum because not only is it my favourite on this list, but it’s also the strongest. You have to be very careful with this one. The overall sweetness of the drink will distract you from how strong it is. Magnum Tonic Wine is a popular fortified wine that contains 16.5% alcohol and is infused with herbal extracts, often marketed as an energy booster and sexual stimulant. Widely enjoyed in bars, parties, and casual settings, Magnum is a go-to drink for those seeking a quick buzz or looking to enhance their vitality.

2. Guinness

jamaican_guinness_gleaner

Type: Stout
Alcohol Percentage: 4.2%

Guinness is quite popular around the world as well. It is known for its bold, dark appearance and creamy texture, Guinness is a rich stout brewed with roasted barley, giving it a distinctive bitter yet smooth flavour. In Jamaica, Guinness is often seen as more than just a drink—it’s considered a source of strength and energy, believed to have health-boosting properties. Some locals even mix it with condensed milk or egg as a form of tonic. With its robust flavour and association with vitality, Guinness remains a popular choice, especially among those looking for something with more body and depth.

3. Red Stripe Beer

red_stripe_jamaica_beer

Type: Lager
Alcohol Percentage: 4.7%

Red Stripe is Jamaica’s iconic beer, characterised by its light golden colour, crisp taste, and balanced malt and hop flavour. With an alcohol content of around 4.7%, it’s easy to drink and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to big celebrations. Red Stripe’s distinctive stubby bottle is instantly recognisable, making it a cultural symbol of Jamaica. It’s not just a drink; it’s a part of the Jamaican lifestyle, often enjoyed cold straight from the bottle while relaxing on the beach or at a festive event.

4. Red Stripe Flavored Beer

Type: Flavored Lager
Alcohol Percentage: 3.6%

Building on the classic Red Stripe, the brand also offers a range of flavoured beers, including sorrel, lemon, and melon. These varieties provide a lighter, fruitier twist on the original, catering to those who prefer a touch of sweetness in their beer. With a lower alcohol content than the standard lager, Red Stripe flavoured beers are refreshing, easy to drink, and particularly popular during summer or festive seasons when lighter drinks are in demand.

5. Dragon Stout

Type: Stout
Alcohol Percentage: 7.5%

Dragon Stout is a robust, sweet stout that packs a punch with its higher alcohol content (about 7.5%) compared to other beers. It’s darker and thicker than Guinness, with a rich caramel flavour and hints of molasses, making it a favourite among stout enthusiasts. Often considered the “stronger cousin” of Red Stripe, Dragon Stout is great for those looking for something more intense. It’s perfect on its own or as part of a mixed drink with condensed milk or other ingredients to create traditional Jamaican tonics.

6. Rum Cream

sangsters_rum_cream

Type: Cream Liqueur
Alcohol Percentage: Around 15-17%

A luscious blend of Jamaican rum, cream, and flavours like vanilla and chocolate, Rum Cream is a smooth, sweet liqueur that’s often enjoyed over ice or mixed into cocktails. With an alcohol content of around 15%, it’s not as strong as straight rum, but it offers a rich, dessert-like experience. Rum Cream is versatile, often used in Jamaican Christmas cakes, or as a topping for ice cream and other treats, adding a boozy touch to your favourite desserts.

7. Red Label Wine

Type: Fortified Wine
Alcohol Percentage: Around 13.7%

Red Label Wine is a sweet, fortified wine known for its bright red colour and fruity taste. With an alcohol content of about 13%, it’s widely used in Jamaican celebrations, from weddings to holiday gatherings. It’s a key ingredient in Jamaican black cake and other traditional desserts, adding depth and flavour. Red Label is also enjoyed on its own, typically served neat or over ice, making it a versatile drink for both social and casual settings.

8. Stone Ginger Wine

Type: Ginger Wine
Alcohol Percentage: Around 13.9%

This spicy, warming wine is infused with ginger, giving it a distinctive kick that’s both sweet and fiery. Stone’s Ginger Wine is often mixed with rum to make the popular Jamaican drink “Rum and Stone,” or enjoyed straight for a warming, slightly tangy experience. It’s especially popular during the cooler months or holidays, offering a comforting and aromatic option that stands out among other wines.

9. Heineken

Type: Lager
Alcohol Percentage: 5%

Heineken, an international lager with a crisp, clean taste and a slightly bitter finish, has found a strong following in Jamaica. With an alcohol content of 5%, it’s a light and refreshing beer that pairs well with Jamaican cuisine. Heineken’s presence in bars, parties, and social gatherings makes it a popular choice for those looking for a familiar, high-quality beer with a refreshing taste that cuts through the island heat.

These popular alcoholic drinks in Jamaica are perfect for any setting that is about having fun, relaxing and enjoying good company. Which will you try first?

If you like these you will enjoy some of these popular resort drinks as well.

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Rum Cocktails from Popular Alcoholic Drinks In Jamaica 
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Popular Alcoholic Drinks In Jamaica

References & Sources For Popular Alcoholic Drinks In Jamaica

  1. Offo, N. (2024, July 13). Benefits and side effects of magnum drink. Niyis African Supermarket. https://niyis.co.uk/de/blogs/news/benefits-and-side-effects-of-magnum-drink#:~:text=Magnum%20Tonic%20Wine%20is%20a,result%20of%20its%20intoxicating%20effects

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy